MASSES RETURN IN MAY:

MASSES RETURN:

After such a long time, Masses will be celebrated in our Churches again, beginning next week. The programme of Masses will be as follows;- Ballingarry - Tuesdays, Wednesdays 10am, Vigil Mass Saturdays at 7pm, ( beginning 11th, 12th & 15th May).   Granagh - Thursdays, Fridays 10am and Sundays 10.30am, (beginning 13th, 14th, 16th May).

Thanks to everyone for returning their Trocaire boxes and the parish envelopes, it is very much appreciated.

From 11th May, you can call into the sacristy to book anniversary and month's mind masses.

1st May was the Feast day of St. Joseph the worker, a day to remember all those who have been working on the frontlines, through the pandemic, to keep us safe and who have contributed more than we will ever know.

MAY DAY:

Up until recent times, a widespread tradition in rural Ireland, involved the May Bush, whereby a branch of Hawthorn usually was acquired, and tied to the fence or gatepost outside the house as May Day approached. The children would attach flowers, coloured lengths of paper, painted egg shells, or bright strips of cloth to the stems. This May Day tradition was associated with the beginning of Summer, the time of year when the first Swallows flew in from Africa, cattle were driven out to Summer pastures, flourishing new greenery and a raising of temperatures, promised better days ahead.   Some claim it is connected to the festival of Bealtaine. One of the beliefs was at this time of year, the Fairies were out and about, and the decorated May Bush would appease them, thus ensuring no harm or bad luck would fall upon the household or its residents. Other traditions were to pick spring flowers such as Primrose and Lady Smock and lay them on the doorstep and on farmland branches of flowering trees such as Furze or Rowan were laid outside the animal sheds.   But be warned never to bring the May bush inside the house or byre, as this was seen as an invitation to the Fairies, and you don’t really want them in your abode.!

In some parts, children would parade the May bush around the locality and collect treats or money. In other parts the kids would leave their competitively decorated May bushes in their gardens, and family members and neighbours would wander from house to house and reward the best.    As with most traditional customs, the details vary from region to region.  In County Down Marsh Marigold was picked from the riverbank and thrown on to the roofs of houses and animal sheds to ward off bad luck.  In Tyrone, Lady Smock/Cuckoo flower was gathered and laid on the front door step to ward off fairies, local children would place the flowers at doors of elderly housebound neighbours as well, to help them out.  In County Wexford people continue to decorate the May Bush and parade it through some rural towns.    In some parts of the country, a May King and Queen were chosen and these children were carried through the town or village on a horse and cart.

Bealtaine, the festival marking the beginning of summer in the Celtic calendar is strongly associated with fire, the word Bealtaine comes from/means bright light/fire, and although there may or may not be a connection with the May Bush, there are traditions of burning them at the end of the day.  Some bushes being burnt individually on the night of May first, whilst other were collected into a communal bonfire.   May is also the month of Mary and children were encouraged to bring in flowers, twigs, branches and stones to be displayed on their May Altars.

CHOMHBHRÓN:  Our sympathies to the family of the late Pat Mulcahy, Stylepark, who passed away unexpectedly at his home on 1st May.   Predeceased by his brothers Seamus and John.   Very deeply regretted by his brothers Jerry and Dan, nephews, nieces, sisters in law, relatives, kind neighbours and his many friends.Requiem mass was celebrated in Banogue with burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.   Solas na bhFlaitheas  ar a anam.

CELEBRATIONS: Birthdays celebrated recently-  Mary Lynch, Knockfierna had a double celebration on her 86th birthday as she got her covid vaccine jab also.  We also had Neily Brosnan, Marian Sheehy and Tom Noonan.

OPENING UP: Great to see some local business's opening up again and they are all well worth a visit.*Rockbarton Garden centre - Farmers' Market Sunday 9th May, 10am - 2pm. Artisan stalls, with home baking, pottery, cookies, coffee, crepes and more.

*Drumcollogher Organic college, 063-83604, have their tunnels packed with all kinds of vegetable and salad plants ready to plant out. *Cuan Mhuire garden centre, Bruree, their tunnels are bursting with summer bedding, shrubs, compost and containers. 063-90338. *Wild Encounters Mini zoo, Kilmeedy, 061-974951, an educational and fun experience, bookings on line. *Terra Nova Fairy garden, Dromin reopens on Friday 14th, 063-90744, 10am -6pm, booking essential. A garden full of interest and their fairy shop in the Hobbit house is wonderful. *Coolwater garden, Fedamore is open from Wednesdays to Saturdays by appointment.  There is a limit on the     maximum number of people and proximity awareness must be observed. Personal garden tour by Kevin, including refreshments, lasts for two hours and costs €10 p.p. Children (free) are welcome but it is not really suitable for young children, as they get bored on the tour. Tel 087 258 4716.

DID YOU KNOW:

3rd May, 1903:-  Bing Crosby born in Washington. 4th May, 1938:- Douglas Hyde (a protestant) became first president of Ireland. 5th May, 1891:- Carnegie Hall had it's official opening in New York City. 6th May, 1994:- The Queen & President Francois Mitterrand formally open the Channel Tunnel.  7th May, 1941:- Glenn Miller and his Orchestra recorded "Chattanooga Choo Choo."  8th May, 2008:- The Olympic torch was carried to the summit of Mount Everest. 9th May, 1887:- Buffalo Bill Cody's Wild West Show opens in London.